Am awaiting my HE4XX and have already invested in a Shiit Magni (that I'm told I'll need) for the extra power.
Have tried it with my Grado SR60s (not that they needed it) & it sounds great - actually warmer & better.
BUT have seen a lot of blogs / reviews that say the HE4XX benefits greatly from EQ - particularly in the low bass and around the 9k 'dip'... I'm 'analogue man', not using this with a computer or anything other than would take RCA's. As a strictly 'Hi-Fi' set up what are my alternatives... how / what do I use to apply any needed EQ. Must be affordable! Note: I have a great amp with plenty of power... but a BROKEN phones socket - will be fixed when world is normal. Note I'm 'Mid fi'. Arcam A85 amp & CD (all RCA inputs), Mission Speakers, Sony MD940MD. Great sound but nothing 'digital' or USB to hook up to!
ultlamanHi, Thanks for you comment but that would be no good. I needed an amp with outputs (so I could link it to my amp)....so also play through my audio system speakers. The Shiit Magni 3 has these and works perfectly to bypass the signal when not using phones.
Sorry, I didn't mention this before but its a deal breaker. It must be able to hook up to my existing system.
As far as I can see the Zen Dac/Can only has inputs... so doesn't fit the bill at all.
It also doesn't answer my question about how to EQ (the phones) signal that the Shiit or Zen don't do.
I have just discovered the Bravo Audio Ocean... that has all 'in & outs' I need. Great reviews (warmer sound) with the HE4XX but still no nearer to EQ'ing the phones signal if & when needed. Many thanks for posting.